1. Origin and Nature – The revolutionary movement emerged in the early 20th century, particularly as a radical response to British rule and the limitations of the Swadeshi Movement. Revolutionaries believed in achieving independence through militant and violent methods.
  2. Major Methods – Revolutionaries used assassinations of unpopular officials, swadeshi dacoities to raise funds, and revolutionary conspiracies. During World War I, some groups also sought help from Britain’s enemies.
  3. Main Objectives – Their immediate aim was to strike fear among British officials, remove the fear and passivity of Indians, and ultimately arouse nationalist consciousness and inspire people to fight for independence.
  4. Causes of Early Revolutionary Movement – Important causes included British repression, famines and exploitative policies, Lord Curzon’s policies, dissatisfaction with the Moderates, and the failure of the Extremists to achieve major political concessions.
  5. International Influences – Events such as Ethiopia’s victory over Italy (1896) and Japan’s victory over Russia (1905) challenged the idea of European invincibility and encouraged Indian nationalists. Later, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and Irish independence struggle further influenced revolutionaries.
  6. Rise of Revolutionary Movement in the 1920s – The movement gained renewed strength due to the spread of socialism, Marxism, Bolshevism, trade unionism, and revolutionary literature. Publications such as Atmasakti, Sarathi and Bijoli helped spread radical ideas among young people.
  7. Impact of Non-Cooperation Withdrawal and Congress Differences – Gandhi’s withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement created disappointment among sections of the youth. Revolutionary groups increasingly rejected the Congress’s approach and demanded complete independence, believing that violent methods were justified to achieve their goal.

Which of the following factors contributed to the growth of the Revolutionary Movement in India?

  1. British repression and exploitative policies
  2. Dissatisfaction with the Moderate leadership of the Congress
  3. Influence of the Russian Revolution and Irish nationalist struggle
  4. Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement
  5. Spread of socialism, Marxism and Bolshevism

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5